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The name Saskatoon comes from a native word for a berry that grows along the river called missaskquahtoomina. Saskatoon is located along the South Saskatchewan River and is known as a city of bridges, which has led, along with its cultural sophistication and wealth of Art Nouveau architecture, to its nickname as the Paris of the Prairies. Saskatoon is home to the University of Saskatchewan, which is home to "The Canadian Light Source" [http://www.lightsource.ca] which is Canada's only synchrotron.
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By plane
Saskatoon John G. Diefenbaker Airport [url=http://www.yxe.ca]]serves domestic, international and northern communities.
When flying within Canada either Air Canada [url=http://www.aircanada.com[/url],]Jazz [url=http://www.flyjazz.ca/[/url],]and WestJet [url=http://www.westjet.com[/url]]can be flown. These airlines link Saskatoon directly to major Canadian cities such as Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Winnipeg, Ottawa/Montreal, and Toronto. Flights to Regina are served by Express Air - a West Wind Aviation company.
When flying internationally Delta Airlines [url=http://www.delta.com[/url]]and United Airlines [url=https://pss.united.com/web/en-US/default.aspx[/url]]fly to Saskatoon from the [[United States[/url]]. International flights are available to [wiki=c39584729495496984371f0ec2f38974]Minneapolis[/wiki], [wiki=67100af8b08e073c3ba7f4de2707584b]Denver[/wiki], [wiki=c91861082e1f5c54d7a723f28fbf1be1]Salt Lake City[/wiki] and [wiki=9cfa1e69f507d007a516eb3e9f5074e2]Chicago[/wiki].
To get to the city centre from the airport:
*Saskatoon Transit: Route 11
*Rent a vehicle from one of the car rental companies
*Cab: Should run you approximately $12
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By train
[wiki=5169d7f5f06f3f42b6398f57962093e3]The Canadian[/wiki] is a train operated by [wiki=559ac9b14ed593d82acecc68dec9c5ed]VIA Rail[/wiki] that departs three times/week from Vancouver to Toronto (and vice-versa). It serves passengers from Edmonton and Winnipeg. A train from Toronto will take over two days and the prices in economy are only slightly cheaper than flying, depending when you book.
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By car
Saskatoon is on the Yellowhead Highway branch of the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 16) which connects to North Battleford and Edmonton to the west and Winnipeg to the east. This highway is entirely divided (save for a few minor exceptions and construction zones) between Edmonton and Saskatoon. Saskatoon eastbound on Highway 16 to Winnipeg is single lane to Portage la Prairie, Manitoba. Highway 11 connects to [wiki=f56b5ba21246f1f1b2f3609428eaf935]Prince Albert[/wiki] to the north and [wiki=cca17d86a631047538f816b2dd5306cc]Regina[/wiki] to the south and the leg to Regina is divided for all but a few kilometres of its length (driving time to Regina is about 2 1/2 hours). You can also drive via Alberta Highway 9/Saskatchewan Highway 7 from Calgary, but this highway is not divided except for some very short sections; nonetheless, it is the main route for Saskatonians and visitors wishing to drive from Saskatoon to Calgary, the West Coast and the northwestern US.
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By bus
Saskatchewan Transportation Company[url=http://www.stcbus.com]]connects Saskatoon to most Saskatchewan communities. Warning: as of 2012, a direct route to Calgary is no longer provided; the STC bus that formerly went through to Calgary now turns around at Alsask. Passengers wishing to continue must transfer at Alsask to much smaller, local bus.
Greyhound Bus Lines[http://www.greyhound.ca/[/url] connects Saskatoon to most other cities throughout Canada by way of Edmonton and Winnipeg.
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Sasktoon Transit [url=http://www.saskatoon.ca/org/transit/index.asp]]serves most of the city. Both regular and express (DART) service is provided. Most buses go through the downtown terminal and it is very easy to get anywhere in the city from this terminal, located between 2nd and 3rd Avenue on 23rd Street. Timetables for every bus can be found at the downtown terminal or online[http://www.city.saskatoon.sk.ca/org/transit/routes_services.asp[/url]. At outlying stops, call the 'Phone & Go' line (975-7500) and use the 4-digit stop code to determine information about the routes that service that stop.
Saskatoon is a very bicycling friendly city and boasts the second highest per capita commuter cycling rate in Canada. Recreational cyclists will enjoy exploring the Meewasin Valley Trail along the South Saskatchewan River. Almost all parts of the city are accessible by bicycle and bicycle lanes and routes are marked along some key corridors... be careful because there are also a lot of bad drivers.
Walking is also a great way to get around Saskatoon. If your accommodation is in or close to the Downtown, you will be within walking distance to Saskatoon's best shopping, educational and cultural attractions.
Taxis are easy to find but generally pricey. A ten minute drive (enough to get you most places in the city if it's not rush hour) will cost $10-15. Call Blueline at 653-3333 or Radio at 242-1221, or just hail a taxi. Prices are set by the city so the cost should be equal.
All told, however, Saskatoon is a relatively compact city and outside of rush hour it's easily possible to drive across the city in 15 minutes or less. A traffic armageddon that had been predicted with the permanent closure of the Traffic Bridge (one of four road bridges into downtown) did not occur, though on occasions where one or more bridges are closed due to accidents or construction crossing the city can be a challenge. In 2013 the city completed its ring road system (Circle Drive) making it easier to travel to all parts of the city.
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The Bessborough Hotel overlooks the Saskatchewan River and is probably the most famous landmark in the city.
Be sure to check out the six bridges (including two railway bridges); sadly, the city's first bridge, the Traffic or Victoria Bridge, is (as of 2012) in the process of being dismantled.
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If you have young children, the rides at Kinsmen Park cannot be beat. There is a miniature train, Ferris wheel and merry-go-round (all of which were upgraded in 2015). This attraction is near the Kinsmen Play Village, the Ukrainian Museum of Canada and across the street from the former Mendel Art Gallery, which as of fall 2015 is in the process of being converted into a children's museum. (The art gallery itself has been replaced by the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan in the new River Landing development downtown.)
There are various shopping malls all around the city. Midtown Plaza, is probably the most convenient place for tourists to go to since it is in downtown Saskatoon. It is the largest mall in the city with over 130 stores and services, with two fairly large department stores such as Sears and The Bay. The next biggest malls are The Centre at Circle and 8th on the east side of the city, and The Mall at Lawson Heights in the north; the latter is the closest major mall to the numerous hotels and motels in the airport area.
Saskatoon Blades - Catch the local Western Hockey League team in action at the Credit Union Centre. The Centre is located in a remote part of northern Saskatoon; although there is a bus route serving the area, expect to have to take a taxi or rent a car.
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Festivals
Saskatoon hosts many festivals and events during the summer. These include:
Saskatoon Exhibition. Annual fair with the usual assortment of midway rides and live entertainment. Usually held in early August.
Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan [url=http://www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.com/]]- Saskatchewan's only professional theatre. Performs Shakespearian plays in a pair of large tents beside the Mendel Art Gallery in July and August.
Art in the Heart - this is a great little event in the Caswell area. There is artist vendors from Saskatoon, as well as crafts, face-painting and henna. Live local music is playing all day, and there is a kid's area in the Church Basement where they can do crafts and learn a play. Truly a unique experience to check out when in Saskatoon. Late September.
SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Festival [url=http://www.saskjazz.com/[/url]]- Major jazz festival. Combines free public performances, beer gardens at the Bessborough Hotel with major artists, and various paid performances in venues around the city. Runs from mid-June through the beginning of July.
Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival [url=http://www.saskatoonchildrensfestival.org/[/url]]- Children oriented activities located on the riverbank of Saskatoon in June.
Saskatoon International Fringe Festival [url=http://www.25thstreettheatre.org/fringe2007/index.html[/url]]- Street performances and alternative theatre centred around Broadway Avenue in August.
Folk Fest [url=http://saskatoon.com/folkfest/[/url]]- an annual, multi-cultural festival comprised of up to 25 ethnic pavilions located throughout the city. Inside each pavilion, visitors will find cultural displays, dance, song, food, folklore, fables and skits. Runs in August.
Canada Remembers Airshow [url=http://www.canadaremembersairshow.com/[/url]]- Dedicating to remembering Canada's veterans, combines ground displays of intage aircraft, WW II trainers, fighters and bombers as well as the latest in jet-powered aircraft. Has active air acts which include vintage WWII aircraft, current military aircraft, and the Canadian Forces' Snowbirds Demonstration Team. Runs in August. 2009 will be its last year of performance.
""A Taste of The Saskatchewan" [http://www.tasteofsaskatchewan.ca/[/url] - An Annual festival in which 30 of Saskatoon's finest restaurants are featured and provide Hors d'oeuvre and live entertainment. Often taking place in the latter half of July, the festival's riverside location provides an excellent atmosphere.
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Diefenbaker Canada Centre [url=http://artsandscience.usask.ca/diefenbaker/]]- The Diefenbaker Canada Centre is a unique public facility, combining the only Prime Ministerial archives, museum and research centre in Canada. The galleries feature permanent exhibits on Mr Diefenbaker, period replicas of the Prime Minister's Office and Cabinet Room (ca. 1950's) and temporary exhibits relating to diverse topics.
Mendel Art Galley [url=http://www.mendel.ca/[/url]](950 Spadina Cres E) - The Mendel Art Gallery features contemporary and historical art. Note: As of 2015 this gallery is now closed and has been replaced by the Remai Art Gallery of Saskatchewan at River Landing. The Mendel facility is being renovated to become a children's museum, though the Civic Conservatory (a large greenhouse displaying different plants) remains open to the public).
Meewasin Valley Centre [url=http://www.meewasin.com/[/url]]402 Third Ave S (along the S Saskatchewan River), ☎ +1 306 665-6887, 9AM-5PM. Local cultural and natural history - free.
Ukrainian Museum of Canada [url=http://www.umc.sk.ca/[/url]]- The Ukrainian Museum of Canada vividly preserves and recreates Ukrainian culture in Canada through temporary and permanent displays.
Wanuskewin Heritage Park [url=http://www.wanuskewin.com/[/url]]- 5 km north of Saskatoon on Wanuskewin Rd. Wanuskewin is an international visitor site to learn about 6,000 years of First Nations culture.
Western Development Museum [url=http://wdm.ca/stoon.html[/url]]- The museum features 1910 Boomtown, the longest indoor museum street in Canada, which presents the time of pioneer settlement and farm expansion in the Canadian West. It illustrates the technological progression of agricultural and transportation practices through interpretive displays and extensive artifact displays. It also has a large collection of vintage farm machinery which is worth a look if you are interested in mechanical things.
University of Saskatchewan [http://www.usask.ca[/url] - Many buildings in the University have permanent, free exhibits set up. Most notable is the Biology Building, which has 2 full-size models of dinosaur bones, as well as some animals to look at.
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For contemporary art and craft
*Large bookstore and cafe.
*Downtown and it is one one of Saskatoon's largest shopping centres. It contains the usual Canadian department stores, and has a Bay and a Sears at each end.
*For emerging and established Canadian artists
* Just off Broadway (Behind Lydia's) is an excellent store with a great selection of books and videos for your (R)evoltionary media needs
*Every Saturday all year round the Farmer's Market is held in this building. Holds an array of ethnic and homegrown foods sold by locals, as well as some arts & crafts, and other things.
*Local cultural and natural history
*Aboriginal Art, local handicrafts, mocassions, beads and other random Saskatchewan stuff. Great place to buy gifts or souveniors.
Do go shopping along Broadway Ave. There is lots of little boutique shops worth checking out.
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A intimate french restaurant with local art, focusing on french cuisine from fresh Saskatchewan-made ingredients. Has a bakery in the back with delicious desserts, and amazing cheesecake
*Norm whips up the best Vietnamese Noodle Bowl. Just ask for the special. Closed for two hours during the afternoon when he picks up his kids from school.
*Old fashioned ice cream parlor complete with old school outfits and a jukebox. Wide range of ice cream flavours (including some ridiculously funky ones), milkshakes, sundae's and other yummy goodness. A must stop.
*Riversdale Deli is an Italian inspired deli in the heart of Saskatoon. They offer artisan sandwiches featuring local ingredients, house made soups, and salads that reflect the changing seasons. Their Charcuterie Platters feature dry-cured meats, cheese, olives, and antipasto items. There is a large marketplace with a variety of imported and local goods including fresh produce, pasta, buffalo mozza, and imported items. Highly rated.
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Budget
Easily found around the city. Also keep an eye out for small Chinese-Canadian places, they can be good at a reasonable price.
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Mid-range
American (Really good veggie and hamburgers). They have a nice bar upstairs. They have the best French Fries in the city.
* Excellent entrées accompanied by an extensive salad bar and buffet. Very reasonably priced and excellent for a family meal.
* Only location in Canada. Great burgers and fries with a help-yourself concept to add toppings to your burger. Nice atmosphere and friendly staff. Buffalo burger recommended.
* A excellent family owned Greek restaurant. Excellent lasagna.
* 50's themed restaurant with very good American food. Good selection of burgers, and excellent milkshakes.
* Mexican, Caribbean and Latin American cuisine.
* Gastropub in the heart of downtown.
* Mennonite restaurant with hearty breakfast and lunch items. The farmer's sausage, vareniki, green borscht and pies are delicious. M-F 7:00-15:00, Sat 8:00-14:00. Closed Sun.
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Splurge
"The 2nd Avenue Grill has a delicious selection of soups, appetizers, greens, burgers, wraps, sandwiches, pizzas, pastas, seafood, poultry, pork and beef dishes."
*"This is a must-visit restaurant in Saskatoon. The interior is decorated with objects found in the first prairie settlements. The exterior looks like a grain elevator. Nothing says "Saskatchewan" more than the Granary."
*"Fine cuisine. Great for drinks in a quiet atmosphere after-hours as well"
* Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes.
* Small but elegant family owned bistro that uses local products. Main courses include duck, beef, fish and vegetarian dishes.
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A British-style, relaxed pub atmosphere located on trendy Broadway. Voted Saskatoon's best chicken wings, $4 on Tuesday. In the summer there is an amazing rooftop patio.
*A blues bar with live music, pool tables and lots of friendly bikers.
*A Mexican Cantena. Restaurant by day (the best veggie burger in the city) and other great cuisine. At night it transforms into a hopping live music venue. Tons of bands pass through from indie to punk.
*If you feel like dressing up and dancing to popular radio music, this is the place to go. They also do offsale (although a little overpriced). Used to be an old fire hall.
*There is live Sunday Jams, the occasional techno night, a pool table and Pac-man machine. The food is horrible, but sometimes it's a decent spot to grab a drink.
*Attention Beer Drinkers: Winston's has the largest selection of imported and domestic brews. A wide range of stuff in bottles and a great selection on tap. Friendly pub atmosphere downtown.
*A hot spot for young students, sometimes has live music.
*A night club in east-central Saskatoon that is frequented by students.
*Night club frequented by an older crowd
*Features the best Steak Sandwiches in all of Canada.
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*A very popular bar among young partiers, main night is Tuesday where they serve $2.50 drinks all night. Plays mainly top 40 mixes.
*Saskatoon's Best Lounge (Planet S) 6Twelve is a lounge where guests can experience craft cocktails and cutting edge share plates, in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Their philosophy is based on a commitment to fresh & creative drinks, music, and food, which are always presented without pretension.
*This is a lovely brasserie serving high-end beer, wine and food. A must do dinner and drink for business meeting or date night out. Outstanding environment serving only quality ingredients.
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Note: only a couple of hotels operate east of the river.
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Budget
Accommodation choice for business, family, and leisure traveler. Located near the John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.
*
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Mid-range
The Travelodge is on the North side of Saskatoon and is situated at the intersection of Idylwyld Drive and Circle Drive. The Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon is the largest Travelodge in Western Canada and the 2nd largest hotel in Saskatchewan.
* Established in 1958, graces the South Saskatchewan riverbank along the Meewasin Trail.
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Splurge
A four star ten-story hotel. It is built in the "chateau style" [wiki=ce9d90c98437bf7e38f1644d5dd43d74#Canada]typical of Canada's other railway hotels[/wiki]. Many of the rooms look on to the river. The room style can best be described as "shabby genteel".
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* The Sheraton is just across the street from the Bessborough, and looks onto the river.
* The hotel is Saskatoon's tallest hotel with views of the South Saskatchewan River and the city.
* You choose your own type of room according to your requirement. Beautifully designed rooms with special soft pillow mattress will provide you with a touch luxury and comfort.
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Saskatoon has a fairly high crime rate per capita, but this tends to be concentrated in small areas of the city.
The majority of the alphabetized avenues west of Idylwyld, from Avenue B through to Avenue Y (often referred to as "Alphabet Soup" by locals) are considered to be sketchy, with a high amount of gang/drug activity, violent crime and prostitution. It's probably best to avoid this part of town, particularly the alphabet avenues south of 22nd Street, and also immediately surrounding the 33rd Street intersection with Idylwyld. That said, it's usually relatively safe during daylight hours - and there's little reason for tourists to be in these parts of town anyway, although efforts are being made to turn 20th Street West into a destination centred on the historic Roxy Theatre.
Downtown has garnered a reputation for hosting a number of sometimes-aggressive panhandlers, particularly along 21st Street near Midtown Plaza and 2nd Avenue.
The east side of the river has the general reputation among locals of being safer than the west side.
The usual common-sense rules apply, and you should be fine.
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There is a free wireless internet network in the whole of Saskatoon’s downtown core, as well as on the University of Saskatchewan campus [http://www.ito.gov.sk.ca/wireless-internet/].
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